Was in town for a couple vacation days from Mississippi and the in-laws remembered this place from when they lived here in the mid 80's and said try it. Wait was 5-10 mins even though we were the only ones standing there. One supposedly seating was the packing in the bar and said she would finish here story when she got done. Another domes minutes to get someone to get our drinks and chips to the table, another 5 to get the order. In all it was 30 for the sit to food showing up and like I said it wasn't that busy at all. Rice was bland with just a tomato paste taste, I love the standard 2.5 review number is right. Should have gone to the taco truck. I know it would have been better. Pass it up. It may have been good back then, it definitely sucks now read more

I haven't had a bad experience here yet! From their drinks to their appetizers to their main courses. I never leave room for dessert!! The food is amazing and the servings are huge! The service is top notch with every server that walks by checks up on you to ask if you're doing ok. read more

I was there is 7/2001 and still remember the Spanish rice. I told my waitress it was the best I'd had and she said it was her uncle's recipe. When she brought the check, her uncle had written the recipe down. That has stuck in my memory for 25 years and I just realized I could use Yelp to say thank you. read more

We've gone once before, it was very good food, but terrible service, they were slow and not the nicest. My mother in law came to our town and we wanted mexican, and decided on lucys. We walked in, they were semi busy, but they were able to seat us. (4 adults, 1 baby, who's 1) Before seating us they asked if our baby cries, because they couldn't seat us if she does. My brother in law "got onto" the lady, and we left right then. Where my baby is not welcome, we will not be doing business. I hope they get better with accommodating and welcoming families with young ones. Especially because they are a family oriented business. read more

Stop by on way through town and it was an ok choice. Server was sweet and environment was good. I loved the Mexican music with great tunes being played. Music was not too loud-just right. I had the chicken tortilla soup, and it was too salty. The chicken was moist but the chunks were too big. And not bite sized enough. Review of child's meal of green enchiladas by the child: Nice read more

Lucy's Mexicali Restaurant - Chicken tortilla soup - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, New Mexico

Good local restaurant with plenty of room for families. My only complaint is the fajitas only came with 1 tortilla and no rice/beans. Maybe that's just the way things are served in NM. As a Texan not used to that. But it was fine, I asked the waitress about the tortilla and she was happy to provide me another no charge. The chili con queso is soooo good though. I've never had anywhere and it was delicious. Service was excellent we really liked the waitress. I'd come here again if I was traveling in the area. read more

Lucy's Mexicali Restaurant - Beef Fajita - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, New Mexico

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OVERALL Lucy's in Carlsbad, NM, has been around for quite a long time. I remember the older, much smaller location. Some things change for the better, some stay the same... for the better. ENVIRONMENT So the newish building is on Canal St. Obviously I haven't been back to Carlsbad in quite some time. This a decent sitdown Mexican restaurant. A full bar is available. SERVICE We walked in requesting a table for a party of 11 including five children. They quickly and happily accommodated us. MY FAVORITE PART... The queso my brother ordered. All the family being together before Thanksgiving. NOT SO FAVORITE PART... How watered down my first margarita seemed to be... THE GRUB + Complimentary chips and salsa... one is a red sauce. The other is pico de gallo. + the mild green chili con queso dip & chips is an awesome appetizer + The chili relleno plate ($12.95) is really good... you can add a protein for a couple dollars more + Sopapillas for dessert (3 per order) are a must. + Ask for the cinnamon honey for the sopapillas if they don't bring it. LITTLE YELPER'S CLUB They absolutely have a kids menu. It's a good one too. My oldest daughter enjoyed the kid's Mexican plate ($6.95) with green sauce on her cheese enchilada. My younger daughter opted for chicken strips and fries (over happy face potatoes LOL... $7.95). High chairs are available. PARKING There is an auto service business nearby that seems to consume much of the shared lot parking. It fooled me into thinking Lucy's was packed when we arrived just after 4PM on 11/23/21. TIP Lucy still comes to the restaurant and preps various dishes. She's super nice. | Food: 4 | Service: 4 | Environment: 5 | Price: 4 | read more

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Visiting the area and needed a place for a quick dinner. Came here and wasn't really expecting much, but was so pleasantly surprised! The waitstaff was super friendly, the food came out reasonably quickly, and it was really delicious! My son had enchiladas with green sauce and he said they were really fabulous. Really good green sauce. Spanish rice and refried beans also very good. I had chicken fajitas and they were also excellent. The chicken was really good quality, cooked perfectly and seasoned well, peppers and onions also really tasty, and a good amount of sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce, and tasty guacamole. Definitely a winner dish. For dessert we had sopaipilla's, which were nice and light. Definitely recommend this place' read more

Lucy's Mexicali Restaurant - Lucy's - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, New Mexico

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We had a good experience while just found the majority of the food ok. We did have the queso that had a green/hatch chili base and that was amazing; I loved it. The chilie relleno plate was ok but not great as it was standard. The table had various other meals that were ok. The food was fresh and ok flavor. Service while here was great. The waitress was responsive, quick, and attentive. read more

The Red Chili Enchiladas topped with fried egg were delicious and authentic New Mexican fare! Our Server was friendly and personable. Lively atmosphere. read more

Lucy's Mexicali Restaurant - Cheese Enchiladas (3 pc) Side of Egg - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, New Mexico

This is my favorite place to eat in Carlsbad, the prices are great and the food is top notch. I have been on a keto diet and get a double meat green chili burger with bacon, it is excellent and also try the queso with green chilis which is awesome, they use real cheese that is super stringy. And Brittney is one of the best waitresses there and remembers your orders if your a regular read more

Loved the el Plato Loco! It has a little bit of everything. Recommended and will get again read more

Dakota was an excellent server. The food was just as we remembered it. Best Mexican food in the Southwest.

Worst food poisoning I've ever had after eating here... I was traveling through town and was craving Mexican food and the place seemed great. Inside was nice and busy. Within 2 hours of eating, I was extremely nauseous. Service was great but I would not recommend unless you want to be near the toilet all night long. read more

Was with my church group of 20 couples, we were coming from Odessa to enjoy Christmas on the Pecos, called ahead and assured, servings our group, would be no problem, however upon arrival we were told there would be a wait, we were then told in front of the entire restaurant we were disrupting the customers and we need to go in the cold foyer and wait. What a rude person, talking down to a group of senior adults from church, just arriving in Carlsbad, so excited about celebrating the Christmas sprit But no fears, this rude and immature young lady didn't slow us down, we left, went somewhere better and had a fabulous evening and journey Sad part is Lucy's, just lost 20 customers and their families, co workers and so on !!!!! Today she would be kicking rocks ??? read more

Plates are all large and very full. We eat here a few times a month for lunch meetings and have not had a bad experience. They do stay busy and the hot can be super hot. read more

My party of seven was seated quickly the atmosphere of the restaurant was nice music wasn't too loud and lighting was good. The waitress Beatriz was awesome and made our visit enjoyable super sweet and friendly. She even bought my son a small ball to play with which was really sweet. With that being said the food was ok not the type of "Mexican" food we are use too. The food was absolutely over priced and gratuity was included BEWARE. The amount of options given for and plate/order is ridiculous and unnecessary mild or hot queso, yellow or white queso, red or green enchiladas, big or small tortilla, happy or regular fries, and that's just a few of the questions we were bombarded with. I would honestly go to the Danny's down the street instead. read more

Lucy's Mexicali Restaurant - Burger - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, New Mexico

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Food was decent but service wasn't. Took 30 minutes to get drinks. My margarita was SO weak and watery. I had gotten a frozen margarita. When I complained, a blonde woman came over to argue with me and tell me that frozen margaritas are like that and everything is measured. I couldn't even taste a hint of alcohol. I handed it to her and told her that I didn't want it and that our conversation was over. They did end up making me one on the rocks but it was a lot of ice and little margarita. People coming in after us ... Much after us were being served looonnngggg before us. We never got salsa refills despite asking multiple times. Food was decent but not nearly the best Mexican food I have ever had. And I don't go to a restaurant to have someone come out and argue with me. I wasn't mean about my complaint ... Just asked for it to be corrected. Restaurant manager ... Get your girl in check! Won't be back. read more

The food was amazing. Chris our server has been working here for a very long time and had many great recommendations. Great specialty drinks and signature food items. All items are fresh and made from scratch. You must eat here when I'm Carlsbad. read more

Stopped in for lunch and had the Pecan Crusted Salmon. It was good, but I think the pecans need to be chopped more to be considered crusted and it needs more of the sauce it's cooked in. IMO. I had two of the Lucy Margaritas and they were the best in Carlsbad! Service was super fast and polite and place was very clean. Chips and salsa was very tasty! Will definitely eat here again! read more

If I could give this place no stars I would, it is embarrassing to call this a Mexican restaurant, I had better tacos at Taco Bell.. this is the second "Mexican" restaurant I have been to here in Carlsbad New Mexico and both are terrible, I'm sorry but as soon as I walked in I didn't see any Mexicans eating here.. that was a red flag, but both times I decided to give 'em a shot.. but unfortunately I was disappointed.. won't be back, I'll get my tacos from Taco Bell thank you read more

The restaurant itself is super dirty & needs like a good deep cleaning. The food took over an hour & 15 mins to get to our table. The food itself was bland "Mexican" food, more Tex-mex style. The worst part was our waitress was so rude, blonde girl with one arm tattoo. The waitress had a big mouth full of food & was chomping down while serving our plates. Taco Bell would have been a better option read more

I loved the food and great service very nice and sweet people the owner is a sweetheart :)

Great little Mexican restaurant. The service was very good or waitress was very attentive and seemed to enjoy her job. That's a star by itself! Food was tasty and just the right amount. I had tacos with chips and tomatillo salsa. The atmosphere was upbeat and casual. Family friendly. Restrooms and entrance as well as outside need some cleaning and updating. It's definitely worth a try. read more

This is my first time in Carlsbad. After reading reviews I figure to give it a try. I was craving my usual Saturday morning menudo. I started to open up the packaging and tried the chips and salsa. Chips were so stale and I was not able to eat any of it. Menudo tasted like it was made last week and the flavor was so nasty. The onion I requested were from days ago because they smelled so bad and you could tell they were expired. Will never eat there again! read more

Lucy's Mexicali Restaurant - Just by looking at the meat, you can tell it is expired and no good - Mexican Near Me - Carlsbad, New Mexico

Food was OK at best. Service was HORRIBLE! The bartender needs to retire and/or learn to stay off her phone and the waitress needs to learn how to be a waitress. read more

Pay attention, it's CarlsBAD, that should give you a clue. Arrived and there was a 15 minute wait, no biggie. Got seated, here it comes!! No one came to greet me for over 12 minutes; no- I'll be right with you sir, hi please give me a minute, nada!! I use to be a server, my how things have changed..... for the worse. I was taught if I couldn't get to greet a table right away, at least communicate to them and let them know I'll be right there. These days, who cares but I still expect a good tip. Waitress was slow to say the least, food was ok, don't get to excited. Remember where you are! Good luck!! read more

Horrible service. Took forever to get our drink orders. Chilie Con Queso was burnt and mild was super hot. Chips were all crushed and the salsa was pretty much tomato paste with a little water. Skip this place while in Carlsbad! read more

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Maybe too harsh, just wasn't impressed by the food or service (had to really fight for a refill). Atmosphere was sub-par (very generic, Fluorescent lighting). Had fajita tacos, chicken was greasy, vegetables not fresh. Salsa tasted out of a can. Beans and rice were low-quality. Also they don't say on menu they're extra, but server just asked everyone as if they normally come with. Will look for a different Mexican food option next time I'm in town. A solid meh read more

Food was fine. A weird thing though. Their laminated alcoholic drink menu has no prices. Our waitress said she never noticed and nobody ever mentioned it before. read more

Waitress SUPER rude, service very bad. After 45minutes without chips and salsa we left, we did not want to risk getting the "special sauce" in our food. We usually stop at Lucy's on our way to Lubbock, they will never get any of our business again. Stay away!!! read more

We had 4 little girls that had water with their meal. When we got the bill we were charged $1.75 each for the water. It would have been nice to know. We waited 15 minutes for our meal after the girls got their meals. It was good. Our server was sweet. Tell people about water policy. The kids were capable of having a regular cup of water. Not cool. read more

Hands down best fajitas I've ever had! Margaritas were to die for and our server was hilarious and took fantastic care of us!

We went here after recommendations by 2 different people at our hotel emphatically answering "Lucy's!" when we asked what the best food in town was. Everything was delicious, except for the chili rellenos, which were AMAZING. It was on a combo plate, otherwise I wouldn't have ordered it because I don't really like chile rellenos. That being said, it may have been the best item of Mexican food I have ever eaten. I'm from Chicago, so there is no shortage of Mexican food there. My husband and I also spent an entire week driving around NM eating at local places. This was hands down the best place we ate and I'd go back in a heart beat. My husband agrees. We tried chili rellenos in other places after that, but they fell flat. Lucy's all the way! read more

We ate lunch here. Had the Combination Plate with enchiladas, taco, rice, beef tamale, rice & beans, the chicken flautas,, chicken tenders and fries, and the Adams Queso. Enchiladas were not very good (you have to ask foe the rolled), not much flavor other than the red sauce. Rice was plain and the beans were so-so. Beef tamale was decent and the taco was just ok. The chicken in the flautas was good but the flautas were not fried. The chicken tenders were good. The sopapillas were not great but not bad. To be fair, we are used to Texas style Tex-Mex and this was not close. This style of food may be more common in New Mexico. Service was very slow. Would not return . read more

This is just the best place! We even got to meet Lucy who is just the loveliest lady. The queso is not to be missed. Kris was our server and answered all of our questions and made good suggestions. Don't miss this place if you are in Carlsbad, NM! And she has a place in Ruidoso ad well! read more

Had a great experience here! Both Sarah and Cassie were phenomenal servers and bartenders. The Adam's queso is to die for!

Place is a little small, even without a crowd you will wait to be seated. The Adam's queso is "hot" even the mild is really " HOT" So make sure you have a drink before you eat. It's also a delayed reaction burn. So be sure to have a drink before the first bite. Shrimp cantinas tacos 5/5 stars. This is the best thing I've ever had. Shrimp with bacon in a taco! Wow the bacon just sends you to heaven. The shrimp are marinated in something and they are cut up and crispy. 3 tacos and I'm bursting. Margarita's are very good. Hubby had fish tacos which were very good. Kids had chimichanga which was completely devoured and a meat burrito, also good. A little pricey but we totally enjoyed dinner. read more

Excellent food. I highly recommend . The enchiladas were fantastic Great chips and salsa. This is my go to place when I visit Carlsbad

We walked in at 8:30 tonight thinking they were open until 9:30 but they closed at 8. We were so weary from traveling and everything else was closed. As we started to walk out they were so kind to go ahead and seat and serve us. They didn't rush us out and served us with a smile! The food was very tasty and we are very grateful for their openness to serve us late! read more